You've probably driven past Lago Trattoria on West First Street without realizing what's happening inside. Since opening this spring, it's quietly become one of the spots locals keep bringing up, and once you've had the pasta, it's easy to see why.
The name comes from Salida's Sister City in Italy, the place many of the town's earliest families originally called home, which says a lot about how rooted this restaurant is in the community even though it's new. Lago is an offshoot of Shavano Restaurant on Sackett Avenue, with a chef who trained at The Broadmoor and built his approach to Italian cooking one dish at a time.
The menu keeps things simple on purpose. Think cacio e pepe made the traditional way, a proper spaghetti and meatballs, and salads inspired by classic Italian pairings, all served in a space that feels more casual than fussy. Much of what lands on the plate comes from local sources, including meat from Hutchinson Ranch, which fits right into the way Salida eats.
If you haven't made it in yet, Lago is open Wednesday through Sunday from 4:30 to 9pm on West First Street, right next to the Office Bar. It's an easy stop before or after a downtown evening, and one more reason this stretch of Salida keeps getting better.
